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Hello, Dolly! on Tour
One of Broadway's most beloved musicals was reborn in 2017, when producer Scott Rudin and director Jerry Zaks brought back the irresistibly meddlesome widow Dolly Gallagher Levi in the form of Bette Midler. Winner of Tony Awards for Best Musical Revival and Best Performance By a Leading Actress in a Musical, their colorful new Hello, Dolly! hit the road in 2018 with Tony Award–winning Betty Buckley in the brassy title role.
The Dolly saga extends nearly two centuries into the past, when John Oxenford's 1835 play A Day Well Spent was adapted by Johann Nestroy into the farce He Will Go on a Spree or He'll Have Himself a Good Time. Thornton Wilder subsequently transformed it into a hit 1955 comedy, The Matchmaker, with Ruth Gordon as Dolly Levi. Producer David Merrick thought Wilder's play would make a great musical, and he was correct.
With music and lyrics by Jerry Herman, Dolly originally was written for Ethel Merman, who declined the role. Carol Channing stepped in to star in the original 1964 production, which was directed and choreographed by Gower Champion. Known as both Dolly, A Damned Exasperating Woman and Call on Dolly before it reached Broadway, the show's title was changed due to the popularity of Louis Armstrong's iconic version of "Hello, Dolly," which dislodged the Beatles from the top of Billboard's singles chart.
With Channing in charge, Hello, Dolly! won 10 Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Performance By a Leading Actress in a Musical. Dolly has always been a star vehicle, and Ginger Rogers, Martha Raye, Betty Grable, Pearl Bailey (leading an all-black cast), Phyllis Diller, and, finally, Ethel Merman all played the musical meddler after Channing stepped down in 1965. Hello, Dolly! closed in 1970 after 2,844 performances, making it the longest-running Broadway show to date.
Identical to the Broadway version down to its Currier and Ives pastel set and high-stepping Gay Nineties dance moves, the Hello, Dolly! touring production offers a visual feast to accompany Jerry Herman's pop-perfect songs. Anyone enjoying Dolly today should take pride in being part of this timeless show's long, rich pedigree.
Hello Dolly has had staying power because it’s so entertaining. The understudy appeared in Betty Buckley’s part, and I don’t know how Betty could have done the part any better. None of were disappointed & I overheard many positive comments as we were leaving.
We left at intermission. Seats were uncomfortable and unfortunately, the performance was not up to standard to overcome the discomfort.
We all loved this show! Betty Buckley is amazing!! The whole cast was perfect!
the understudy took the lead and she was fabulous.....absolutely fabulous. enjoyed the whole play. the owner of hat shop was great and had a great voice.
Disappointed that Betty Buckley did not show for the 1pm Sunday matinee, especially since her name was plastered all over the ads - not going to fall for that again SD on Broadway, but the understudy was channeling Bette Midler (who played the role on Broadway) and so overall enjoyed the performance, but felt duped....
We saw it the night the understudy played Dolly. Thought she did a fantastic job. Loved the dance numbers. A little problem with mics that night but it’s live theater you never know what’s going to happen. Thoroughly enjoyed the show.
OMGosh! We were beyond pleased with Jessica Sheridan and the touring cast of Hello Dolly’s Sunday matinee performance. Ms. Sheridan truly brought the beloved role of Dolly Gallagher Levi to life – I believe the entire attending audience would have been happy to present an empty lap, so Dolly would never go away again.
I originally bought the tickets expressly because Betty Buckley was the star. I'd heard about her for years and was thrilled to see her play an iconic part, not to mention sharing that experience with my two girls. Imagine my disappointment when we showed up for the closing night performance, and she wasn't even performing. Her understudy was great, but that's not why I paid so much money to sit far up in nosebleed. I've seen Dolly on stage, a high school production in Seattle that was so professional it rivaled 5th Avenue Theater in downtown (Seattle theater known for having Broadway tours, and also where the "Jekyll and Hyde" soundtrack was recorded), and except for the bigness of this stage it really was just as good for a fraction of the cost. Then there were technical glitches. Several times throughout the performance the mics went out. The actors were supreme professionals and didn't skip a beat. They finally had to pull them off stage to repair it during the famous restaurant scene. Experiencing shows like this on stage is always a treat. My girls had a great time, and I laughed and tapped my feet. The rest of the cast was superb, and like I said even Dolly was good. But it was just an experience. It wasn't the best, it wasn't spectacular, and for a closing night it was pretty mundane. It just could have been better. ESPECIALLY at those prices. We're a family of 7 and can't afford shows like this on a regular basis, much as I'd like to. I'm more inclined now to save shows like Dolly for small stages, and save my money. Meanwhile I'll be watching the film on DVD this week. Barbra Streisand always makes me smile.
From the moment the curtain parted to the last sound of applause, this big musical production was extremely entertaining. The actors were incredible and the musical dance numbers were highly fun to watch. Dolly was sensational and gave a heart-felt performance as the beloved matchmaker!
We scored good seats in the middle of row H. Thoroughly enjoyed the show. Buckly has been at this a while but she's still got it. Never missed a beat. Wish we could get seats like that for other shows.
Great broadway show. Very entertaining. No dull moment!
Delightful show. The bright costumes, the sets, the very gifted dancers and singers and the main star, Barbara Buckley was absolutely the best. Watching it, you felt the excitement and clearly appreciate the very many talents at work. An old show but how wonderful to be able to still watch it. Worth seeing it in person.
Great show! Betty Buckley was fantastic as well as the rest of the cast
Enjoyed the Dancing, Music and Singing. The cast was great and Betty Buckley does what she does. It was a treat to see her perform again.
the civic theater is a great venue, and the touring troupe for "hello Dolly" did not disappoint!
Total enjoyment. Betty Buckley was wonderful. Glad to see her performing in this revival touring production.
The touring company of Hello Dolly was outstanding. Incredible costumes and sets, and one of the most talented singers and dancers i have seen in a long time. As a long time admirer of Betty Buckley, it was nice to see her bring her talents to San Diego.
Fabulous show! The singing and choreography was outstanding! Definitely a must see! Special on last minute tickets were just the icing on the cake!
Awesome! The show was the most professional show I've ever seen at the Civic. Betty Buckley is amazing.....a real showman who truly enjoys what she does. Her interpretation of Dolly was by far my favorite. Love love love her. The sets were gorgeous, the costumes elegant and colorful.. The choreography was over the top. I saw the show the first night and then again last night. I highly recommend everyone to go see it.
Everything from choreography, set design, and costumes was exemplary. The performers outdid themselves and Betty Buckley, what a phenom! So honored to be in attendance for the tribute to Carol Channing.
